If you are looking for a high-quality private school like GESS for your child after relocating to Singapore, there are many great options. Singapore is home to over 100,000 expatriates and their families, and international institutions are often the first choice for their children’s educational needs. Many schools are enticing on paper, but visiting a school is the best way to know with certainty that the school offers an education where your child will develop the skills they need to succeed. When choosing the right school, many factors are involved. Here is a list of the most influential qualities of a school:

*Accreditation – International school accreditation is important because it confirms that the school operates in a manner that is consistent with the high standards in the educational community. If a school is not accredited, you may not wish to send your child to that school, as the credits may not be honoured if they decide to transfer to another institution.

*Curriculum – International schools have a variety of options when it comes to their school’s curriculum. Many tailors to specific nationalities, and teach national standards according to their school’s country of affiliation. These types of schools are great for families that will be returning to their home country before their children finish school. For families that expect to move more frequently, international programmes, such as International Baccalaureate, might be better suited for your child. Programmes like IB offer international education goals and can help your child seamlessly transition among schools across the world.

*Co-curricular Offerings- Outside of core-academics, co-curricular activities can provide meaningful educational opportunities for the developing mind. Schools offer different programmes based on their teaching ability, and co-curricular offerings are an essential aspect of educational programmes. Most schools offer sports programmes, and others are limited to the visual arts, music, and dance. If your child is competitive in co-curricular activities, then this may be a significant deciding factor for your family.

*Location of the School – As you prepare to move, your family will be adjusting to a new workplace, a new school, and a new home. Finding the perfect school is worthless if it’s on the other side of the island, and if you haven’t found a home yet, consider finding a school with a centralised location. Your children will be spending a lot of their time at school, but after school, they will be at home with their family. Finding a place that your family can call home is just as important as finding the right school, and the location of both matters.

*Resources – International institutions provide students with modern teaching material and state-of-the-art resources to maximise their education. Look into a school’s access to technology, environmental maintenance, and co-curricular resources, such as stadiums and auditoriums.

*Diversity – Schools with a diverse student population offer students the opportunity to build skills they can use for the rest of their lives. Research shows that distinct learning groups provide a number of benefits, and have a lasting impression on students. Children that learn about different cultures are exposed to new ideas and are able to achieve more academically. International schools are typically rich with diverse cultures, and are not dominated by one particular nationality or ethnic group. The diverse community at Singapore’s many different private schools are dedicated to providing a warm learning environment to every student. With students from countries around the world, they believe in giving students with the tools they need to succeed in a globalised economy.

Your kid has just stepped out of an infant care centre Singapore which is My Little Campus . He or she is all set to go through the transition now and join a preschool. While a preschool will expose your kid to many new things for the first time, you could be wondering how song, dance or music can help your little one.

You all are familiar with the importance of dancing and music as fun activities. Kids love to make noise and jump and move around. However, are you aware that is is a crucial component of their development? Playing music, singing and dancing are an integral process of your little one’s learning what their bodies are cable of doing so and growing up. Those skills also teach kids how they should interact with objects, world and people around them.

What will happen when your kid dances or sings?

According to many early childhood educationalists, when kids move regularly, the experience help them to develop strength, coordination and control in movement. Body coordination help kids to a great extent when they become adults. Thus, learning music, unstructured play, and getting the kids to move benefit them in different ways. Kids start making sense of different types of noises even before they come out of their mother’s womb. The initial reaction to it is through its body movement. The moment a kid dances, he or she starts getting familiar with the way their body is capable of moving. Kids experiment of explore various kinds of travelng motions like jumping, sliding and walking and other movements such as bending, bobbing and twisting. When your kid learns dancing, he or she picks up how to use the various muscles. Instead of only walking around and standing, that will strengthen the muscles further. Dancing also helps the kids to learn how to control,as well as coordinate their bodies, Such movements are useful also for developing spatial awareness.

If your kid imitates an adult or learns a type of dance known as “the chicken dance”, there will be improvement in their understanding and listening skills. Your kid will also start paying greater attention to others who share the same space.

Singing is another way your kids can pick up sound and language. They can improve their communication and vocabulary skills through singing. As lyrics in a song rhyme, it helps to exercise their brains as well as learn precious memory skills. After all, you learned your alphabets through that famous ABC song. Other benefits of singing include increase in blood flow and improvement in the functioning of their lungs.

Reasons why your little one should learn to play music

Kids become highly engaged when they create music of their own than when they are simply singing. Using instruments can enhance their creativity and they can create music daily by forming groups. It will further help them to improve their social skills and will enable them to bond with their peers. Plus,your kids need not be sent for structured music lessons to derive these merits of music. You can purchase mystical instruments meant for children and let them use it as much as they want to. Alternatively, you can use your kid to create music as. fun craft activity at home itself. You simply need a container to put some rice inside and create an ice cream tub or a shaker for a tub. Dancing, singing and playing music are important for the self-expression of your kids. It is not possible for your kids to express their feelings through words always. Thus, it is helpful for your kid to have a proper and healthy outlet to channelize their emotions. Make sure your kid learns playing music, dancing and singing. These subjects will be highly beneficial for their development in different ways and both your kid and you are sure to have great fun.

When you are a parent to a child with special needs, there is a constant worry of how your child is going to fit in the school or any place else. As school is one of the most important parts of your child’s life, you need to tackle special care in making sure that your child I safe and comfortable in the respective space. The love for the child always compels you to stand strong against any such force that threatens to conflict your child, the glares of other people, the school system, and the ignorance of other people, the lack of support and many such things. It is true that you may get tired, but staying strong and persevering is the only way. it is for this reason that you should make yourself aware of a number of things that will help you to deal with these kinds of situation and make you equip to tackle anything that comes way.

Educational therapy for children helps promoting a healthy communicating skill for your children. Your child will be able to communicate more freely and clearly with other people, which in turn helps him or her to form acquaintance and relationship in school. But sometimes this is not enough, as most of the time your child is away from you in school and you don’t even know what happeneing with him in school is. So the best way to know to make sure whether your child with special needs is having a tough time at his or her school is by making sure that you follow the following steps.Leapfrogs Children Therapy Center is one such organization that specializes in helping children with such special needs.

Communicate with your child
Talk to your child; ask him about his or her day. Make sure that he feels comfortable in sharing their experience with you. If your child is reluctant to communicate, then make it easy for them to talk to you. Don’t press them too much or force them to answer your question. They will eventually reveal you their fear or if there is anything that needs to be discussed. Just let them know that you are there for them and you love them unconditionally. It is the only way that you can hope for them to open up.

Keep in touch with the school
Sometimes it may be the case that you child don’t open up to you. If this is the case then the best way to keep an eye on your child is to keep a regular touch with your child’s school. Visit the teachers, arrange a meeting and talk with them and get to know how your child behaves in the school. Also ask about if there has been any bullying or any such nefarious activities on your child. You can ask for permission to check security footages if you feel like there is something concerning that are happening.

Volunteer in school
You can nominate yourself to volunteer in various school activities to form an idea on how your child is in the school environment. This will give you a chance to keep an eye on your child and make an assumption on how your child is in the school, away from you and your notice. This is perfect way to notice your child’s out-home behaviors.

Act immediately and smartly on any kind of bullying
If you notice or learn about any kind of bullying and picking on your son, act immediately. But immediacy shouldn’t be confused with drastic. You must be smart while dealing with such situations, so that your child doesn’t grow a fear of human beings.

These are some of the basic tips that you can follow to make your child’s life a bit easier in school.

For children with focus issues or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD or ADHD), the world can be a confusing and overwhelming place. Their brains frequently flit from subject to subject, or they become entranced by one compelling thing. How is a child to cope and how can parents help?

Fortunately, medication is not the only way.
I get many referrals from local psychiatrists to have me use nonmedical strategies with families before a doctor prescribing medications. Many times this ‘behavioural intervention’ is enough to help kids succeed in school,” said Rachel Rudman, a pediatric occupational therapist with specialized training in early intervention and sensory integration.
Self-regulation
“There are many activities children can do to improve concentration in class that is helpful and do not disrupt the class. I come in schools as a consultant to work with teachers and students to help ‘make a plan. As kids get older, the key is teaching them self-regulation. “They need to become aware of how they feel when they lose focus and, together with a parent or therapist, come up with three or four strategies that work to help them get more focused.
Exercise
One strategy involves exercise before or after school. Children jump on a trampoline, for compressing the joints of the body while jumping on a trampoline produces an organizational effect that lasts for four to six hours, similar to an adult going to the gym before starting his or her day.
“Aerobic exercise boosts natural catecholamine, the body’s amphetamine of sorts, to improve focus. Taking breaks from intense study sessions to go for a jog or run outdoors play basketball for twenty minutes or do some other types of aerobic exercise can help restore attention and focus.
Parents should not give in
“I find that most of my patients with children who have been diagnosed with ADHD tend to give in to their child’s demands or lack of ability to focus as a way to avoid tantrums or confrontations with their child.
For example, when a child doesn’t want to finish a homework assignment, the parent might acquiesce at the moment, which makes the child believe he or she doesn’t have to complete the task.
“The parent’s behaviour at the moment can seem like a perfectly logical plan; however, it usually doesn’t give the parent or child what they need to get the task accomplished. If instead, the parent helps the child with focusing by sitting next to them and assisting them with the homework until it is completed, even while the child complains, avoids and becomes distracted by irrelevant issues, the child will learn how to compete for subsequent homework tasks more efficiently,” Stella said.
The reward system
“I find that rewarding a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD for accomplishing tasks in a timely or appropriate manner is another very effective tool in helping these children learn how to combat their disorder. “Rewards need to be based on something the child genuinely enjoys and can range from a sticker to special story time with mom or dad.”
Organization
Limiting distractions, whether they are noises or items, in places where children have to focus on tasks or other people. When decorating these spaces, sticking to one palette and using a calming colour rather than an exhilarating one. Knickknacks and extra furnishings should be kept to a minimum.
Keeping a schedule, one that the child will eventually recognize as routine is very helpful. She explained that parents should keep in mind that it may take up to 60 days of repeated behaviour for a child with ADD/ADHD to develop a routine, depending on the severity of his or her condition.
Routines can also be established to help address specific challenges. For instance, if a child with ADD/ADHD always forgets to bring his or her homework back to school, designate a space at home where the child puts homework in his or her backpack.
Parents should encourage independence
Most importantly, parents should work with their children to find ways to overcome their limitations. Doing everything for them only decreases their ability to exist outside of parental assistance, which makes growing up tough. Parents can’t always be there to do everything for their children.

Occupational therapy is a type of health care treatment that helps to solve the problems that interfere with a persons ability to do the things that are important to them everyday things like:

Self-care – getting dressed, eating, moving around the house,

Being productive – going to work or school, participating in the community, and

Leisure activities – sports, gardening, social activities.

Occupational therapy (OT) is the use of assessment and intervention to develop, recover, or maintain the meaningful activities, or occupations, of individuals, groups, or communities. It is an allied health profession performed by occupational therapists. Occupational therapy can also prevent a problem or minimize its effects.

Most people think of occupational therapy as a treatment for adults that helps them get back to work, but that is a very narrow definition. Occupation refers to managing all the activities important for independent living. For children, their main job is playing, learning and doing age appropriate activities of daily living (e.g. dressing, eating, and b,athing). If your child has physical or cognitive disabilities, occupational therapy goals can be defined to help your child improve their ability to function in these areas.

Occupational therapy has been shown to help some kids with learning and attention issues become more independent and successful. This is especially true for young children.

The connection may not seem obvious. But problems with coordination, strength, control and daily self-care skills can lead to academic difficulties. Occupational therapy can help kids with learning and attention issues improve their strength, coordination, and planning and organization skills. Occupational therapy can help parents and teachers understand a childs capabilities. The younger a child is when he starts occupational therapy, the more effective it tends to be.

For example, a child who has autism and has trouble gripping a pencil may struggle to complete class assignments on time. Some kids have trouble with organization. They may struggle to load a backpack with materials they need at school. Occupational therapy could be helpful in these situations.

The benefits of occupational therapy for kids include:

Increased independence and self-confidence

Better understanding between parents and teachers of what a child should be able to accomplish

Improved ability to concentrate and complete schoolwork

Occupational therapy can help a number of issues, including:

Dyslexia

Dysgraphia

Dyspraxia

Sensory processing issues

Visual processing issues

Autism

If your child is working with an OT, hell probably learn to adapt to his difficulties over time. This will make day-to-day living easier. Depending on the severity of your childs symptoms, he may need to work with an OT for many months. So its important to find an OT you and your child are comfortable with.

Keep in mind that occupational therapy for children cant cure your child. For example, if your child has dysgraphia, an OT can help him improve his handwriting. The OT can show him how to use a note-taking software. But your child may never become a fast writer.

The sooner your child starts with occupational therapy, the more effective it tends to be. Occupational therapists can help younger kids improve social and academic skills, making their lives easier as teenagers. However, OTs can also be helpful for older kids.

Occupational therapy is just one option for addressing your childs learning and attention issues. Being open to all possible treatments can help you find the right one for your child.

The desired outcome of the treatment is to help children learn to be as independent as possible. This can range from improving physical abilities, so the child can participate in self-care to helping the child be prepared to perform school-related activities. Since each child is unique, the goals and outcomes of the therapy treatment plan will be specific to that child and his or her needs.

This means that the therapy is ongoing until the child attains the necessary skills. Once skills are mastered in one area, say self-care, the therapy will focus on other skills that are needed to be functional in the community. Again, the nature of the therapy depends on your childs disability, how quickly he or she learns new skills and the goals of the family.

Social skills are ways of dealing with others that create healthy and positive interactions. Children who have social skills can communicate clearly, calmly, and respectfully.

Also, many people have not learned to “read” the many subtle cues contained in social interactions, such as how to tell when someone wants to change the topic of conversation or shift to another activity. Social skills training helps patients to learn to interpret these and other social signals so that they can determine how to act appropriately in the company of other people in a variety of different situations.

When people improve their social skills or change selected behaviours, they will raise their self-esteem and increase the likelihood that others will respond favourably to them. Trainees learn to change their social behaviour patterns by practicing selected behaviours in individual or group therapy sessions. Another goal of social skills training is improving a patient’s ability to function in everyday social situations. Social skills training can help patients to work on specific issuesfor example, improving one’s telephone mannersthat interfere with their jobs or daily lives.

A person who lacks certain social skills may have great difficulty building a network of supportive friends and acquaintances as he or she grows older, and may become socially isolated. Moreover, one of the consequences of loneliness is an increased risk of developing emotional problems or mental disorders. Social skills training has been shown to be effective in treating patients with a broad range of emotional problems and diagnoses. Some of the disorders treated by social skills trainers include shyness; adjustment disorders; marital and family conflicts, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, social phobia, alcohol dependence; depression; bipolar disorder; schizophrenia; developmental disabilities; avoidant personality disorder; paranoid.

A specific example of how social skills training can be helpful includes its application to alcohol dependence. In treating patients with alcohol dependence, a therapist who is using social skills training focuses on teaching the patients ways to avoid drinking when they go to parties where alcohol is served, or when they find themselves in other situations in which others may pressure them to drink.

Another example is the application of social skills training to social phobia or shyness. People who suffer from social phobia or shyness are not ignorant of social cues, but they tend to avoid specific situations in which their limitations might cause them embarrassment. Social skills training can help these patients to improve their communication and social skills so that they will be able to mingle with others or go to job interviews with greater ease and self-confidence.

Some studies indicate that the social skills training given to patients with shyness and social phobia can be applied to those with avoidant personality disorder, but more research is needed to differentiate among the particular types of social skills that benefit specific groups of patients, rather than treating social skills as a single entity. When trainers apply social skills training to the treatment of other personality disorders, they focus on the specific skills required to handle the issues that emerge with each disorder. For example, in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCD), social skills trainers focus on helping patients with OCD to deal with heavy responsibilities and stress.

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HunterGatheress is a literary journal with emphasis on conspiracy, paranormal, occult and strange fiction and poetry from the Kitchen Midden of Joan d’Arc, HunterGatheress for Paranoia Magazine since 1992.